This section explains how to perform input and output to files. File management commands are presented. The different file types are explained, random and sequential file access examples are given, and file formats are discussed. An example program showing how to convert from one file type to another is shown.
The section, "General Input and Output," discussed the general principles used for input/output (I/O). These principles apply to files as well as other I/O targets. In particular, use of ASSIGN, OUTPUT, ENTER, STATUS, and CONTROL were explained. If you have not yet read that section, you should do so before reading this section.
A file is a collection of data that is kept on disk rather than in the computer’s memory. When the computer is turned off, the data in the computer memory is lost but the data in a file is not.
